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In the Ebbw Vale area, the unemployment level is twice as high as the national average (5%), immigration is relatively low and the fruits of EU investment is visible for all to see. But 62% of voters there backed the Leave campaign.

Head to the site of the town's old steelworks -- now a state-of-the art "learning zone" with a huge sports center -- and it becomes apparent where much of the funding has gone.

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According to the local council, the area received $9.68 million (£7.3 million) from the EU between 2007 and 2013 to invest in education, not just for schools but also for additional education facilities and training.

'Stupid thing'

The EU has pumped in $192 million (£145 million) since the steelworks closed in 2002 and brought an end to the local area's main source of income.

The town center boasts a brand new silver statue of a dragon -- the Welsh national symbol -- and shiny silver balls that line the main street.

Both were built with $5.9 million (£4.5 million) in EU funds for physical improvements to the town's center.

Then there is the $105 million (£79 million) in EU funds that supported development of a new divided highway between Tredegar and Brynmawr, which has opened up employment and business opportunities across the South Wales Valleys.